Belmont Stakes' War of Will back at Keeneland, 'fit as a fiddle'

Gary Barber’s War of Will, who won last Saturday's Preakness Stakes, on Monday afternoon arrived at trainer Mark Casse’s Keeneland barn, where he'll train toward the final leg of the Triple Crown series in the Belmont Stakes.

The 3-year-old War Front colt has stabled at Keeneland several times during his career with Casse’s assistant, David Carroll, who's thrilled to have War of Will back to prepare for his next race.

“He’s fit as a fiddle,” Carroll said. “We’ll train him nice and quietly. He’ll have an easy week, and we’ll take it from there.

“I’m going to be Mark’s eyes and ears. The horse will tell us what he needs to do.”

While plans are not certain, Carroll said War of Will might ship to New York about 10 days before the June 8 Belmont and “have an easy work over the surface – just acclimate to the surroundings.” 

Carroll’s wife, Kim, who is an exercise rider for Casse, accompanied War of Will to Pimlico. Carroll said he watched the Preakness on TV with their son, Declan.

“It was terrific not just for me but for the whole team – anyone associated with him,” Carroll said. “Just for him to show what he’s capable of; have a nice, clean trip and run the race we all thought he was capable of. The emotions were overwhelming.”